End Fed Antenna, Portable ,Battery Go Box For Ham Radio 4991 efhw. 2 in 1

This Actually Worked!
I built a Battery Box. Whoopie, a battery box, you say? I agree, so I added a 49:1 Transformer to it.... That wasn't enough, so I added a 9:1 Transformer to it.
Another video will be coming in the future, with a parts list and more information. The case was from harbor freight:
www.harborfreight.com/tool-st...
www.thingiverse.com/thing:372.... - 3d printed mount for powerpole
In this 11 minute episode, I show you the Battery Box, Antenna Box (The EXTREME box), talk about the build, and future plans.
This is perfect for someone who constantly forgets gear or just wants everything in one simple to carry container.
#hamradio #ANTENNA #efhw

[@dougdaniels]

Instead of a single fuse between the battery and the load, I used a rigrunner on mine. That gives me the option to run a number of 12v items, like LED lights, a usb outlet, a cigarette lighter outlet and a watt meter. Its all in a Pelican 1400 along with a 12v/12Ah LiFePO4 battery and a solar charge controller.

[@bunston1000]

Made something similar, with a redundant foam lined aluminium camera case. I added a fused 12 volt 4way distribution board (small type they use in caravans and boats). Also included was a dc / dc converter, 12v in, 13.8 v out. Another addition was a cigarette lighter socket. This made a safe way to transport the batteries. Definitely fuse the output terminals. A great idea incorporating the 9:1 and 49;1 transformers, I might give that a try, but at the moment I would need to acquire a larger box. Also use the FT 891, FT 817, FT 991a and FT 10 DX. Look out for the new Yaesu FT 710, looks like it might be in three versions of 10, 50 and 100 watts, the problem looks like it’s size, it will apparently be between the FT 10 DX and the FT 991a. Great video, and some very good ideas, keep it up.👍

[@AD6DMDennis]

Lots of cool things can be put into an ammo box. I've never seen this idea before, and it's ingenious. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@Littrell1966]

What a great idea and can't wait to see what is next!!

[@bradleyruhberg8626]

I have been toying with this idea (minus the battery) and have some of the parts, now I’m inspired to build it, thanks.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

That's awesome, I'm glad to hear you're inspired. I hope to hear back on how it went

[@daveycrockett9447]

Brilliant idea. Enjoyed the video.

[@robertmeyer4744]

love that idea. I have made a few different battery box over the years . thinking power. I put USB C and A ports. even made a 24V battery box. nice to put 9:1 and 49:1. I normally use small box for them. even wound 64:1 and a 4:1 . offset center fed dipole the 2 common ones use 4:1 . 2/3 and 1/3 of 1/2 wave total and the outher is 3/4 to 1/4 of 1/2 wave total. now if making a 1/2 wave folded dipole that 300 ohm and a 6:1 get you 50 ohm. with PTFE wire or # 16 mag wire you can get east 250 watt on t 240-43 core. that with a 1.5 :1 match or better. higher SWR even with a tuner heats up the core more. made a 3 stack of 43-240 cores. with a good tune and HV cap should do 1 Kw or so. I wont out that in a plastic ammo can. may melt. still working out a box for that idea. look at how you wind 9:1 . change how you jump the 3 windings around and it is a 1:1 . found that in a old ARRL book. I found counterpoise on 9:1 can really help with match. putting chokes on coax can help with tunning. but every park or campground will tune different at times. keep extra ground wire in the go kit. and chokes for coax. I ran into RFI with 9:1 coming back to radio . 73's

[@vaunsphotography6820]

I've not built anything like that, but it is a fine idea. De N7MRF in Bonney Lake, WA.

[@kennethblackwell1137]

Very interesting box of ideas....😁😁

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

Great box! You can get one of those antenna tuner kits and install that inside the box too. Put the input/output SO-239 connector on top to the radio and a pigtail to connect to either the 49:1 or 9:1 antennas.

[@aldewitt9]

Great use of the box. Make it functional, then make it fun.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to getting some time for part 2. Some great ideas in the comments

[@HOAHamRadio]

This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing your creativity.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks!

[@seanking7221]

Great Idea, Im going to make one of these and add a round volt meter to it. Awesome video.

[@MM0OPXFieldRadio]

Really is a great idea Sean. Your never without an antenna. I wouldn't be surprised if lots of others try this. The 9:1 is good as it gives you 30/17/12 that the 49:1 won't. Look forward to the updates.

[@clpackard3]

I built a battery box similar to this. Great idea wiring it up for antennas also!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks!

[@jackK5FIT]

What a great idea. I have several battery boxes so I may convert one with one of the 49:1 transformers I have lying around. I normally use EFHW I build but I might try a random wire after this. Thanks!! Jack K5FIT

[@aldenjoneskc1jwr138]

great video gave me ideas for what I would like to make

[@W9HJBill]

Great idea. Just for giggles, maybe attachment a spot for a 2M/70CM antenna since it has some weight it would make a great place for a vertical and not tip over. You could also use the same panel mount Anderson Power Pole and make a spot to plug in some radials. Lastly, this may be overkill, but for an IC-705, I'd consider seeing if there was say a 4-1 coax switch that you could either tear apart or mount in some way, maybe epoxy it to the outside of the box since water proofing isn't critical (or maybe inside), that way you could just have 1 coax connector to your radio and then switch between your 9:1, 49:1, hamstick/2M/70CM vertical, and maybe a dummy load if you need (or another external antenna). You gave me a bunch of ideas and I think I might make a dedicated "antenna box" with all the above, and as you said, maybe the ATU inside as well. It wouldn't be a "single box grab and go" thing (not sure if you could fit a battery and all the wire) but it would be a good 2 box solution since I already have a battery box with 50Ah with a built in solar charge controller for power. Would make POTA a lot simpler with power in one, all the wire, tuner, and coax (and maybe adapters) in the other.

[@hamwithoutaplan]

This is a genius idea to make a battery go box. I'll be very interested to see the next version you come up with. Seeing you use the coax for the ground on the 9:1 I have to wonder, would anything have changed if you shorted the connector at the far end end of the coax bringing the braid into play? Would it change the tuning? Would it act more efficiently as a ground or would it there be no change?

[@ShooterReadyStandBy]

Great innovation Dude. Can't wait to see v2

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm looking forward to it. I'll bring it with next time I see you!

[@Tom-n5tti]

WOW ... this is TOTALLY SWEET!!!! Thanks Dude!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Part 2 is looking pretty fun!

[@bradcfi2]

Great idea and job!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks! Hopefully this year I'll be able to 3D print some parts to make it look neater

[@DellFargus]

That's pretty cool.

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

Great video and concepts. Yes to all but I do not have one of these yet. I'm going to wait for your cooler build as I also have an 891! But it looks like you won't be able to do top mounts on the cooler...looking forward to it!

[@krazyjojo1]

Great idea Dude! Very interesting concept.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you. I think I'm going to wire a switch up to them so I don't need two so239 connectors. I think it'll work. I've been holding off on the project improvements until winter comes!

[@StucklnAWell]

Bro, I just found you while I was researching the FT70DR, and your videos helped me a lot. But one thing I notice more than anything is that you've gotten in much better shape since those videos. If that was by choice, then good job!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

You got. I have a back injury, so the past few years have been focused on staying healthy / getting back to healthy. Healthier food, More walking / bicycling when possible, clearing my mind. Thanks man. (70 pounds last year)

[@StucklnAWell]

@@HAMRADIODUDE way to go man! Any significant diet changes? Or just portioning and added exercise?

[@glevideo]

While you're making the box into the Swiss Army Knife of battery/antenna caddies, I would add into it a large variable capacitor and a couple more SO-239 connectors to allow the box to become the tuning/base for a magnetic loop antenna.

[@Photomanguru]

Nice idea, you've got the knack for these videos down.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I have a few ideas lined up just like this, it's just to get warm out. But maybe I can finish this box while it's cold. Thanks!

[@Capt_Duffy]

Quite a brilliant idea !!!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you!

[@Nathaniel7420]

I'd like to see a side by side comparison of contacts with the two transformers. You could get signal reports from operators willing to wait for you to switch antennas.

[@WaschyNumber1]

Very cool 👍🖖

[@K5ATA]

Great video, Sean! Maybe a small Apache case from Harbor Freight could work instead of a cooler for me... costs a little bit more, but it clasps closed and is pretty weatherproof. I think I will be building one this summer.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I do have an extra one laying around and that may work for this box. So cool that this is getting others thinking!

[@mikemiles3068]

I’ve never had a 9/1 UNUN , I just use my 49/1 with an antenna tuner. I bought a ammo box last month when I was Harbor Freight and still deciding what I am going to do with it.

[@ae1tpa92gwtom2]

I like it, as I can only work portable, lots of possibilities, the hamstick 3/8 24 thread mount idea is gd, also for a smaller solution the telescopic whip could be an option as well, n easier to carry , the 9:1 band sweeps were additional icing on the cake !! Cheers Sean

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I will try with the telescopic whip! Thanks!

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Pretty nice idea… And antenna box. Very cool! If you add a connect for a ham stick the cooler will give you more room. 73 de Jeff K3JRZ

[@DaveW6OOD]

The extra weight and stability of a battery box seems like a great anchor point for the end of the 49/9:1s. (Although, I would add more structure for a hamstick support) I wish I'd have thought of it first. "Crazy ideas" realized, that's what hams do !!!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

This is a good point that I didn't consider. The weight of the battery does make for a great anchor. Without it, the box would not work at well

[@brianjrichman]

I made a 9:1 unun and run 33' of "random' wire (not random at all of course) to it. Not very flat SWR on all bands, but good enough and is quieter than running a ham stick antenna with decent range. Coast to coast USA easy... Have had a QSO from Texas to Sao Paulo Brazil (>5000 miles) too using an Icom 7300. The idea of building a one shot box (matching and power) to sit outside the radio for field day is a good one.

[@electronicsworkbench]

Try 35.5 feet. It is not resonant on any amateur band and should give you better performance.

[@brianjrichman]

@@electronicsworkbench Will do. Thanks.

[@K0MRDRadioPrepper]

Nice Build! 49:1 and 9:1Not over redundent at all.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@twohandsandaradio]

This is really interesting. What else could you do? Mount the solar charge controller inside. Battery, controller, antenna stuff all in one box. My one question...heat. I'm not sure how airtight the ammo cans are and I wonder if there would be heat build up over time especially the 49:1... and the battery catching the brunt of it? I would add a vent into the side. Amphenol makes some. This can become really badassed.

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

That's so cool.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you

[@jonmcadams5401]

Try a 71' wire with 50' RG8x & 9:1 unun for all bands including WARC bands. Some Results: I get 1.7 to 1 SWR or less (with no tuner) on 20, 17, 15, 12, 10; & on 160, 80, 60, 40, 30 (with a good tuner). Using 100 watts SSB I've worked Europe, the Caribbean, Asia & Australia from California & also get good signal reports on 80 & 40 phone nets. It's a very usable low cost all band antenna.

[@CC-hk6vy]

You should build and sell these!!!

[@don_n5skt]

Wonder if on one corner, you could fit a 4:1 and a couple of posts for a speaker wire doublet. Hmm. Great idea.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Definitely could with the cooler. I'll be interested to see where this goes. Great input from everyone already

[@2EOGIY]

I'm curious. what will happen if you join those two antennas together in a similar way as fan dipole aka dude commander. I assume both are using the same counterpoise system so just connect both radiators together after those are matched/lowered down close to 50 ohms.

[@barrykery1175]

Holy cow ! Is that coax heavy enough? Think RG 8X. Nice video and nice setup. The X6100 looks like a neat little radio. "If you don't plan for success plan for failure." Ben Franklin. Barry, KU3X

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Lol. The piece of rg8x I had needs a new connector, so I had this lmr400 jumper just laying around. I have some 240 I need to to make some cables with.. tier you enjoyed! I am going to go test some things today

[@barrykery1175]

@@HAMRADIODUDE You forgot to post the link for the Anderson Power Pole panel mount. Your video just gave me the idea to get an Ammo Box for my LiFePO4 20ah battery. I just ordered the ammo box from Amazon. I really liked your idea. Barry, KU3X

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

@@barrykery1175 www.thingiverse.com/thing:3726066

[@Screamingtut]

you should have told Budd, you knew me Sean, he knows my call & we've been friends 20 years+

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

He's got to be the coolest. Bicycle portable with an antenna like that!

[@K9KMVTheUnluckyHam]

What if you added an antenna switch so you could deploy both antennas and quickly switch from one to the other to compare signals? BTW Thanks for the quick shout out on the swivel!

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

The original video had your Callsign too... I must have edited it. So, I have an idea for a built in switch, in the works. We'll see how it goes. I think I have to perform

[@4youian]

Cool! I wonder if you could have a double pole switch that switches in the either the 9:1 or the 49:1 between the antenna and the connector? Or, have a tap at turn 6 of the 49:1 and switch the antenna with a SPDT switch between 9:1 and 49:1. That might be fun to try! 73, VK7IAN

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I was trying to figure this out and hope to have it by part 2, if at all possible. You wouldn't have a diagram, by chance? I'm very visual

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thanks, by the way

[@4youian]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Hi Dude, I sent you an email. Take care and 73, VK7IAN

[@Gollammeister]

Hopefully one day some manufacturer will create a ham license free radio that could only transmit on license free bands frequencys thereby negating the requirement or need for a basic ham license to enable new potential ham users to get their foot in door to learning correct radio procedure etiquette Not everyone can afford to risk money on maybe passing an exam as it can be months or yrs between attempts no local clubs hardly any new members joining up ham has def gone quiet over yrs

[@earlgriffith3592]

It's called GMRS

[@PaulGriffith]

Will the battery be enough ballast to keep a hamstick, mounted on the box, from falling over? A wider box may be more stable for supporting a hamstick.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Good question. Immediately I don't believe so, but I may be able to create an internal support bracket in the cooler, which may add strength or rigidity

[@thekhakihat3233]

@@HAMRADIODUDE One of the 50 cal metal ammo cans from harbor freight would be wider/heavier, and give you a bit of ground plane for your hamstick. Nice video! AA4K

[@MirlitronOne]

Why is the second SWR scan always noticeably higher than the first?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I've always noticed that with the x6100. I'll try a few things out for the next part (different meter, doesn't do it)

[@w4mkh]

What was the lengths on the random wire hooked to the 9:1? I have a plastic ammo box and I think I am going to build one of these. I think the hamstick option is a great idea. Yes you have to carry the hamstick separately but you have the option of taking it with you or leaving it at home. I like options.

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I think it was about 93 feet. I'll measure for video 2. In the meantime, let me get you a link to "suggested 9:1 lengths"

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

www.dxsupply.com/produktfiler/Wire%20Lengths%20for%204%20and%209-1%20ununs.pdf

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

I'll go out today or tomorrow and try 124 feet and report back. and 250 ft, just because

[@w4mkh]

@@HAMRADIODUDE I have a Nelson Antenna with 41' on a 9:1. It could easily go into the box. I'm familiar with the website listing lengths to use or avoid. So don't go out of you way on my behalf though others may need the link. Thanks

[@w4mkh]

@@Stewies_Stuff it worked for me.

[@ColoRadio6996]

What are you using for your lav mic?

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

It's a saramonic blink 500. Is it good, or not great? I'm always in search of better audio 😎

[@NuclearCowboyTube]

@HAM RADIO DUDE would be great to work ya on the radio at some point - Im on southwestern Ontario

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Let's do it. I'm currently in a position where I don't have my main hf Radio in use (the office). There is an issue with the antenna/feed line and I suspect it's in the attic. I have to wait for someone to help me out. In the meantime, maybe I'll do a Livestream from a portable location to try to make some contacts

[@NuclearCowboyTube]

@@HAMRADIODUDE Im having hip surgery Monday so ill be laid up for two weeks - no rush ☺️

[@DK5ONV]

To be honest! If I look at it from a Distance this could be a Ammunition Box for M16 Rivals or so. What? No Ammunition Box. Uh uh...ok. Hey how frikken awsome is that Box right there? Sean, where the Honolulu did you got that from? 🤔

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

The box is an ammo box from "harbor freight". I was going to add decals that say "this side towards enemy" , but that may get some negative attention haha

[@thonasklune8079]

Great build !!!! 73 de W0ZRK

[@HAMRADIODUDE]

Thank you!